News

CCC Faculty Members Awarded for Excellence in Leadership

Four members of the Clovis Community College faculty have been recognized for the
2017-2018 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence
Award.

Simon Chavez (Communication), Gregory Rapp (English), Melissa Reed (Business Administration),
and Erin Thomas (English) are the humble instructors that have been presented with
this prestigious award. NISOD is a membership organization dedicated to promoting
and celebrating excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership at community and
technical colleges. With this award, recipients receive complimentary admission into
the NISOD annual conference that takes place in Austin, Texas in May and will take
part in the Excellence Award Dinner and Celebration where they will receive a symbolic
medallion.

These faculty members embody hard work, knowledge, and most importantly, passion in
their work with students. Each recipient received tremendous praise in their nominations
concerning their drive to go above and beyond and their astounding reputation with
students. “Simon is a dedicated educator who has developed an excellent rapport with
his students,” a colleague raves about recipient Simon Chavez.

Not only are these instructors known for their dedication in the classroom, but additionally
for their involvement in the college community. A colleague describes her experience
with instructor Melissa Reed, “She was eager to serve on a committee and asked to
be appointed as soon as a role became available. Her willingness to serve shows her
overall commitment to the college, her students, and the community.”

These individuals have also been recognized for the initiative in advancing themselves
and their work. Ambition is a quality seen in Gregory Rapp by a faculty member: “Gregory
still takes classes to further his education, therefore, is able to serve in multiple
capacities. For example, as a political science instructor, which benefits Clovis
Community College and our students tremendously.” Inspirational is just one word an
associate used to describe Erin Thomas: “She shared her success about her experience
in the classroom with her colleagues in such an inspiring and vibrant manner during
one of our monthly transitional English department meetings, that they were willing
to implement some of her ideas with their own students.”

From their thriving relationships with students to their dedication to the community,
all of these individuals continue to set a standard for excellence and exemplify what
it means to be a leader.